Sabah may host Borneo Hospitality Challenge in May

KOTA KINABALU: If everything goes well as planned, Sabah will play host to the inaugural Borneo Hospitality Challenge 2020 (BHC2020) from May 30-31 next year.It is being organised by the Borneo Culinary Association (BCA) Sabah and Sarawak, which is a non-profit organisation.Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Christina Liew assured the organisers that her Ministry will support the event that will feature a Culinary & Food & Beverage (F & B) Competition.

She gave the assurance during a courtesy call by a six-member delegation led by retired Executive Chef Volkmar G.Ertel. Present were Norsina James @ Mimiey James (Director, Ocean Play KK Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd), Executive Chef Daniel Shepherd (Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa), Dion Jee (Director of Food and Beverage, SkyHotel), Executive Chef Alex Sim (Sutera Sanctuary Lodges) and Sarah Diana Michelle Durai (Auditor & Event Director for BHC2020).“We endorse events that will bring in participants and visitors from the international community, as this will not only promote Sabah tourism but also forge friendship ties with people from neighbouring countries and beyond,” Liew said.

Briefing the Minister on BHC2020, Jee, who is also the Organising Chairman, said more than 500 participants are expected from Asian countries (including Malaysia), Australia and New Zealand. “We are receiving encouraging response from potential international participants who will be made up of chefs, executive chefs, bartenders and baristas,” he said, adding that judges are drawn from various countries.According to him, the proposed prizes are USD1,000 for the winner, followed by USD500 for the first runner-up and USD200 for the second runner-up (plus a medal and certificate for each winner).Officially registered in December 2013, the BCA is a member of the Malaysia Food & Beverage Executive Association (MFBEA) and aims to play an active role in supporting culinary activities in the East Malaysia region.“Part of our mission is to develop, promote and improve the quality standards of the Food and Beverage industry in East Malaysia,” said Jee. Also present was the General Manager of Sri Pelancongan (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, Zachary Mobijohn.

Source: Daily Express